Thread: Henry Melton Starting 3 Technique?

Originally Posted by WindyCity

If we have Melton and spend a 2nd round pick on Drake Nevis or Marvin Austin I would be happy with the position heading into the season.

Sure you would, but is that happiness going to last past this season? This is a position that absolutly needs to get nailed down. This team is only a contender if the Lovie 2 is running very well. Not just well, VERY well.
I don't think you can half ass this.

Originally Posted by soulman

Nevis may be ok but I think Austin would be the second coming of Tank Johnson. The guy has talent but some character issues as well. Those guys don't seem to make out very well in Chicago. We took a chance on Tank when we drafted him then gave him two or three more. I don't think they'll ever spend a high pick on that kind of guy again.

I agree that Austin is a real stretch for Halas Hall to get behind.

But Nevis [62] and Melton rotating at DT would be an ideal situation for me as we have a couple of young explosive players that could give OGs fits.

Originally Posted by lklrlolnlilklsox

Not even close. Tank lived and hung with a convicted felon as his right hand man. Marvin has never been arrested and his off the field issues are simply about receiving improper benefits. Not a very smart move on his part, but understandable when you consider college football as a whole. It's not like he's some trouble-making public nuisance, just a kid who made a stupid mistake when someone flashed money in his face. Honestly, I would pick him at 29, but I think he can be had later, so that is why a trade down could work for us.

I'm aware of the receipt of improper benefit thing but thought somewhat different about the his off field issues. Apparently the agent gift's thing wasn't all there was. Quinn has gotten past it because of his off field rep is sterling but apparently not Austins. What's the reason for that?

It's more the combination of his football skills and his behavior that reminds me of Tank more than a 100% direct comparison. As highly as Lovie prizes character and attitude I'm sure they'd have all the answers they need before the draft. If it came down to picking him or Cannon following a trade down I'd go with Austin. But between him and Paea no.

Originally Posted by GlobeOfFrogs

Sure you would, but is that happiness going to last past this season? This is a position that absolutly needs to get nailed down. This team is only a contender if the Lovie 2 is running very well. Not just well, VERY well.
I don't think you can half ass this.

Yep...this is where you don't take any chances. The guy has to play well and dominate at that spot. The question is which guy gives you the best chance of that happening?

Originally Posted by WindyCity

I agree that Austin is a real stretch for Halas Hall to get behind.

But Nevis [62] and Melton rotating at DT would be an ideal situation for me as we have a couple of young explosive players that could give OGs fits.

If that's the best we could do then so be it but I'd certainly like to do better. Both Melton and Nevis are a bit undersized and even Tommie Harris had his troubles at 295lbs after his knee problems robbed him of his burst and leg strength. Even at 310-315 lbs these guys are still giving up 20-40 lbs to some OG's. At 295 lbs they give up 40-60lbs and wear down late in the game.

Guys the size of Paea and Austin should have less problem with that. JMO

Originally Posted by soulman

I'm aware of the receipt of improper benefit thing but thought somewhat different about the his off field issues. Apparently the agent gift's thing wasn't all there was. Quinn has gotten past it because of his off field rep is sterling but apparently not Austins. What's the reason for that?

It's more the combination of his football skills and his behavior that reminds me of Tank more than a 100% direct comparison. As highly as Lovie prizes character and attitude I'm sure they'd have all the answers they need before the draft. If it came down to picking him or Cannon following a trade down I'd go with Austin. But between him and Paea no.

Quinn also had arguably the best year of any DL in the country the year before his suspension while Austin had a big down year.

Originally Posted by lklrlolnlilklsox

Quinn also had arguably the best year of any DL in the country the year before his suspension while Austin had a big down year.

All the more reason to approach with caution. If I remember Tank was the fastest DT in the draft that year and was said to be a born pass rusher. He had some talent but he was inconsistent and despite his off field issues he's never become the player he might have been.

Like I said whoever we draft has to be ready to play and play extremely well now and I'll trust Lovie and JA on that issue. They seem to have more expertise with the Dlineman than anything else.

Originally Posted by soulman

Yep...this is where you don't take any chances. The guy has to play well and dominate at that spot. The question is which guy gives you the best chance of that happening?

I don't know. Fact is, mock drafts bore the hell out of me. They were boring 10 years ago, and in the last 10 years they have blown up to the point that I now would rather watch a Nova marathon than read about another one.
One thing that does intruige me, is Carolina would love to trade out of that first pick. And Marcell Dareus sounds like fun.